Relative Value Chart
A Relative Value Chart is quite similar to a Pie Chart in that it depicts the percentages
of items using the visual size of pieces of the chart. Instead of a circle, however, the
Relative Value Chart is a rectangle that has been sliced into smaller rectangles. The
size of these smaller rectangles indicates the percentage of the item they represent.
The entire rectangle, and thus the sum of its smaller parts, adds up to one hundred percent
or the total quantity.
Typical Uses
A Relative Value Chart is best used when there is a group of related items such that their
respective quantities are a part of the same total. This could be percentages of people
(for example, the percent of people who earn a certain range of salary), dollar values, or
anything else. The visual quality of the chart makes it easy to understand and is more
appealing.
Best Practices
- Determine the purpose. Decide what topic the chart is going to be about and title the chart accordingly. Divide that topic into smaller sections and determine what percent of the whole each holds.
- Create the chart. Begin by drawing a large, wide rectangle. Spaced based on the percentages of the smaller sections, draw vertical lines inside the rectangle to slice it. This step can be made easier with a Relative Value Chart template, such as the one offered by SmartDraw.com.
- Label each section. Each rectangle must be labeled with what it represents. The percent or quantitative value may also be listed for each. If the rectangle is too small to fit text, draw an arrow to it and place the text outside of the rectangle. Alternatively, each rectangle can be colored differently and a key can be added.